CONFORM PREP GUIDE

This guide will help you prepare your edit for conform and color grading inside DaVinci Resolve. The Conform Prep Guide serves as the primary structure, with relevant elements from the Color Prep Guide incorporated for a seamless workflow.

General Preparation

Before starting, ensure your project is properly organized for a smooth conform and color workflow.

Hard Drive Instructions (If Delivering via Physical Drive):

  • Duplicate your sequence first to retain the original version.

  • Bring the project file with you in case of last-minute changes.

  • Use a Mac/PC-compatible drive (formatted as ExFAT) with USB-C, USB3, or Thunderbolt 3.

Online Transfer Instructions (If Delivering Digitally):

  • Convert the main folder into a ZIP file before uploading.

  • Use Google Drive, WeTransfer, or MASV for file transfers. Alternatively, if you have a FrameIO account, we can add you as a guest to a folder.

  • If the rushes exceed 250GB, contact us beforehand to discuss transfer options.

Choosing Your Workflow: Source Media vs. Flat QuickTime

There are two primary methods for preparing your project for color grading:

Source Media Workflow – Recommended for most projects; provides maximum grading flexibility.

Flat QuickTime Workflow – Used when working from a single high-resolution master file.

Method 1: Source Media Workflow (Preferred Method)

A. Preparing Your Edit for Conform

  • Duplicate your timeline and rename it descriptively (e.g., "For Color").

  • Collapse clips to as few video tracks as possible (ideally 1-2 tracks).

  • Flatten all multi-cam, compound, or nested clips and replace them with their original source files.

  • Delete all empty video and audio tracks to clean up the timeline.

  • Replace all proxy or transcoded clips with the original source media.

  • Ensure no unneeded clip handles remain—only what is seen in the final edit should exist.

B. Exporting XML/AAF for Conform

  • Premiere & Final Cut: Export XML.

  • Avid: Export AAF.

  • DaVinci Resolve: Export both the project file and an XML.

  • EDL Export: Only needed if specifically requested.

Before Exporting:

  • Flatten the sequence to a single track (or as few tracks as possible).

  • Remove all graphics, transitions, and effects (unless needed for reference).

  • Ensure all clips fill the frame correctly (no pillarboxing or letterboxing).

C. Delivering Files for Color GradeYour deliverables should include:

  • Original Camera Rushes (RAW, ProRes, DNxHR, etc.)

  • Online Reference File (H.264/MP4 or ProRes Proxy) with visible graphics and preferred looks.

  • Clean Master File (ProRes 4444 or DNxHQX 10-bit) with:

    • No color grades, eects, or LUTs applied.

    • All speed changes retained (ensure speed changes conform correctly).

    • Dissolves kept if necessary, but provide individual clips separately as full-length if possible.

Method 2: Flat QuickTime Workflow (Single File Workflow)

A. Preparing the Master File

  • Ensure the sequence is linked to the original rushes (not proxies).

  • Duplicate your timeline and rename it "For Color"

  • Remove all unnecessary elements (graphics, filters, LUTs, effects, etc.).

  • Flatten all edits to a single V1 track and remove unused tracks.

  • Ensure sequence resolution matches final delivery resolution.

  • Remove all transitions (unless they must remain).

  • Avoid using dissolves or transitions unless necessary.

  • Ensure no unwanted repos or zooms remain.

  • Export a separate reference file with titles, graphics, and audio mix intact.

B. Exporting the High-Resolution Master File

  • Format: ProRes 4444 or DNxHQX 10-bit

  • Resolution: Same as the final delivery resolution (HD, 4K, etc.)

  • Ensure render settings are at the highest quality before exporting

  • Export an XML/EDL from this timeline

  • Include reference stills or style guides, if available

Deliverables Checklist

Your drive or folder should contain the following:

✅ “FOR GRADE” Folder with:

  • A clean, high-quality master file (ProRes 4444 or DNxHQX 10-bit).

  • A reference clip (ProRes 422 HQ or H.264 with graphics and audio).

  • An XML/EDL/AAF for conform.

  • Any reference stills or LUTs.

If you have any questions or need clarification, please contact Khalif at hello@khalifsultan.com.

Looking forward to grading your project! 🎨